Bo Arrives For 'Orientation,' Not Negotiations

May 21, 1986|By Jerry Greene of The Sentinel Staff

Bo Jackson, the National Football League's No. 1 draft pick, arrives in Tampa today for an ''orientation meeting'' with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. According to the Bucs, negotiations for what will have to be one of the biggest rookie salaries in football will not begin at this meeting.

''I don't think this should be called a negotiation session,'' Bucs administrator Phil Krueger said Tuesday. ''Basically Bo has accepted our invitation to come down, meet the players, visit with the coaches and look at the Bay area.''

Jackson, who is trying to decide between a career in football or baseball, is expected to spend today and Thursday with the Bucs. Except for one interview session today, the media will not be allowed to monitor his visit.

In what must be a disturbing turn to the Bucs, agent Marvin Demoff has joined Jackson's large negotiating team. Jackson's agent, the law firm of Miller, Hamilton, Snider and Odom of Mobile, Ala., has retained Demoff as an adviser.

Demoff also represents Miami quarterback Dan Marino, Denver quarterback John Elway and Bucs guard Sean Farrell. He has never shown a reluctance to have his players holdout if he is not satisfied with negotiations.

Jackson was last in Tampa on March 25 to take an NFL scouting combine physical. Because he accepted a ride on a plane provided by Bucs owner Hugh Culverhouse, SEC rules forbade him from completing his senior baseball season. Jackson, who met with the California Angels last month and the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday, says he will not decide between football and baseball until after the baseball draft June 2.